Parents often ask, “is it common for my child to complain of pain when their 12 year molars come in?” Do the 12 year molars actually hurt children or are they simply being sensitive. Let’s dive into why your child might complain of pain when their 12 year molars are erupting. We will also discuss options for 12 year molar pain relief and why they may come in early or late.
Losing and gaining teeth is an essential part of life. At birth, an individual generally has about 20 baby teeth (primary teeth), which tend to fall out over time in order to make room for the 32 adult teeth (permanent teeth). Around the age of 5 or 6 is when a child begins to lose their baby teeth one by one. The big stages of tooth development are at the age of 6, 12, and anywhere from 17 to 21, which is when the three sets of molars erupt in the mouth. The first molars are the “6-year molars,” the second molars are the “12-year molars,” and the third molars are the “wisdom teeth.”
Tooth Eruption
When teeth erupt, the teeth are pushing through the gums in order to fully surface in the mouth. During this time, it may make the gums feel tender, sore or uncomfortable. Some individuals may even experience headaches followed by a mild fever when cutting their teeth. Please note that any fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit should not be associated with teething and it is advised to see a medical professional immediately.
12-Year Molars
If your child is around the age of 12, it will be around this time that their “12-year molars” will begin to erupt. Be cautious if they claim that their teeth may “hurt.” The gums will most likely be sensitive and eating may be uncomfortable. Try feeding them soft foods so that they won’t have to do much chewing. To relieve any immediate tooth pain, you can give them an over the counter (OTC) acetaminophen or ibuprofen following the proper dosage.
If your child seems to experience extreme pain while cutting their “12-year molars,” it would be in your best interest to call your dentist or orthodontist immediately. Whichever dental professional you choose to contact, they may decide to take X-Rays in order to provide an accurate picture of how the molars are developing to see if there may be a correlation to your child’s pain.
Also understand that most children start the eruption of 12 year molars at age 12 but this is not an exact date. Some children will see their 12 year molars erupt as early as age 10 or 11 and as late as age 13 or 14. Once again, it this is an area of concern for you and your child, do not hesitate to call a dentist or orthodontist today.
Contact Sims Orthodontics
For any other questions regarding 12-year molars, please contact Sims Orthodontics! We have a wonderful orthodontist who would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
Additionally, if you are looking for an orthodontist and would like a complimentary consultation, please contact us!